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Farmers to see direct payments phased out over 7-year period

During the transition, direct payments will become separate from the requirement to farm the land

Farmers in England and Wales will see their direct payments phased out over a 7-year transition period, with those receiving larger payments seeing reduction at a quicker rate.

For 2019, direct payments will be made on the same basis as now, subject to simplifications where possible, the Agriculture Bill explains.

Direct payments for 2020 will also be made in much the same way as now. Simplifications will be made subject to the terms of the overall Brexit implementation period.

There will then be an agricultural transition period in England between 2021 and 2027 as payments are gradually phased out.

During this transition, direct payments will also become separate from the requirement to farm the land, the Bill states.

As a result, payments may be paid in a single lump sum of several years’ worth allowing farmers to; invest in their farming enterprise, diversify or even retire from farming.

After the UK leaves the EU, the focus will shift to the environment and farmers will be paid for ‘public goods’ which will include; boosting air/water quality, boosting wildlife and tackling climate change.

While direct payments will go, there is no suggestion, at present, to say this money will move to other industries.